Tower Hearts 5

Arthurlie FC 1

The Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie played host to this U21 Scottish Youth FA cup final. It was a night to remember for Tower Hearts, who dominated the game completely, scoring five excellent goals and, therefore, they went on to lift the illustrious inspiresport Scottish Youth FA Cup.

Arthurlie’s route to the cup final was quite tricky. They saw off Ardgowan comfortably in round two, however, this was followed by three close encounters with Dalziel BC, Milngavie FC and Gartcairn.

Tower Hearts, on the other hand, had a much more comfortable passage to the final, not even conceeding a goal in the process. Hearts defeated Steins Thistle, Milton FC, Knightswood and, finally, Harmony Row to set up the show piece game with Athurlie. Tower are an experienced campaigner at Under 21s level with numerous local trophies but never this one. Arthurlie were fresh on the scene having just moved up from Under 19s.

Tower began the better of the two and opened the scoring whenScott Cameron picked up possession in the final third and found Sean Smith on the left corner of the box. His curling was initially tipped onto the post by the 'keeper but Cameron was on hand to volley in the rebound and give Tower Hearts an early lead.

Arthurlie began to grow into the game after Hearts opener and in the next ten minutes had a couple of great opportunities. Firstly, left back Michael Connolly won the ball in midfield and drove forward, before unleashing a powerful effort which flew just over the bar.

Scott Cameron picked up possession in the final third and found Sean Smith on the left corner of the box. His curling was initially tipped onto the post by the 'keeper but Cameron was on hand to volley in the rebound and give Tower Hearts an early lead.

Then, only moments later, Arthurlie were almost level. A throw-in was flicked through to Lewis Garner who attempted to lob the keeper but his effort came back off the crossbar.

Arthurlie would live to rue these misses as on 23 minutes Tower Hearts doubled their lead. A long ball from defence found David Seagrave on the wing and he delivered an inch perfect cross for Cameron, who nodded past the keeper for his, and Hearts’, second of the game.

The Tower Hearts pressure continued and just after the half-hour mark they increased their lead further. A free-kick was won about 25 yards out and Ben Cappie took responsibility. Cappie stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the bottom right corner, giving the keeper no chance.

Five minutes before the interval Tower Hearts well and truly put the game to bed. Ben Cappie was the provider again, winning possession in the middle of the park before slipping in Sean Smith. Smith composed himself before stroking the ball into the bottom corner to put Hearts 4-0 up before half-time.

Half Time:

Tower Hearts

4-0

Arthurlie FC

Tower Hearts began the second half as the finished the first; with sustained pressure. On 55 minutes Cameron collected possession on the edge of the box and was pulled down by the Arthurlie defender. Cameron took responsibility and stepped up to fire the free-kick into the top left corner and put Hearts 5-0 in front. With this goal he claimed his hat-trick and added gloss to the already impressive score line.

After 20 minutes of the second half, Arthurlie finally got on the score sheet. Matthew McGuiness collected possession inside box and crossed for Lewis Garner to head into the bottom corner and regain some dignity for Arthurlie.

Tower Hearts managed to see out the remaining minutes of the match to lift the silverware. It was a memorable night for Hearts but one which Arthurlie will forget very quickly.

For Arthurlie they can reflect on a magnificent journey, punching well above their weight for such a young team. For Tower Hearts history was finally made. After many years of coming so close, they were finally crowned champions of Scotland.

Hearts’ man of the match is their hat-trick hero Scott Cameron. He scored three wonderful goals and led the line very well throughout and is a worthy winner of the award.

Arthurlie’s man of the match is their captain Michael McNeil. The midfielder looked calm on possession and won several tackles in the middle of the park.

Magic Moment

Tower Hearts

Arthurlie FC

The magic moment for Hearts has to be their third goal from Ben Cappie. His free-kick was a magnificent piece of individual skill; maneuvering the ball over the wall and into the net. The goal was probably the most impressive goal from Tower Hearts and, therefore, Gray wins the accolade.

Arthurlie’s magic moment is their goal from Lewis Garner. The striker’s goal was the only pleasing moment on an otherwise disappointing night for Arthurlie.